Waste circularity is emerging as a solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)

Waste circularity as sustainable solution: 1. Effective waste management & Reduced demand for fresh raw materials Key principles of waste circularity: 1. 3RRR → Reduce, Reuse, Recycle principles of circular economy 2. Efficient waste collection 3. Segregation and reallocation of waste materials 4. Re-integration with production chains A Critical materials as lithium can be utilised for new batteries. Government's initiatives in this regard: 1. e-Waste management rules 2. Producer's responsibility for waste collection → Extended Producer Responsibility 3. Waste circulation norms at local body level 4. Repurposing and reutilisation of essential minerals & elements → reduce import dependency Effective less of those measures: 1. Increased awareness among population → about circularity 2. Repurposing, segregation and integration in production chains 3. Efficient utilization of waste 4. Reduced landfill prize 5. Concept of urban mining → recovery computer, electronic & non-biodegradable waste for recovery of elements 6. Reduced pollution under Environment Protection Act, 1986 However, certain constraints: 1. Waste collection systems vast functioning efficiently 2. No proper segregation & muddier dumping 3. Lack of enforcement mechanisms 4. Restricted utility of recovered minerals & elements

— VISHWAJEET GUPTA · AIR 67